How to Start Shooting Weddings (Without Faking It Till You Make It)
Welcome to the wild ride - part love story, part timeline chaos, part creative magic. And if you’re wondering how to actually start, you’re not alone. We get asked this all the time in our mentoring sessions and Facebook group.
Here’s the no-fluff guide we wish we had when we were just getting started:
So you want to shoot weddings?
Before anyone hands you the responsibility of capturing their Big Day, you’ll want to be confident with your camera AND with people. Set yourself a goal for a few practice shoots a month. Need models? Grab your parents, a friend, or a couple who’s willing to dress up for the promise of pretty pictures and pizza.
Haley styled shoots with second-hand dresses and teamed up with vendors also building their portfolios. Ruth took her parents to a wedding venue and made them pose with a bouquet (thanks Mum). It’s awkward, but it works.
Practice, practice, practice
Bonus: you’re not just building a portfolio, you’re also starting to build your network. That’s huge.
Want to really understand what goes down on a wedding day? Shadow someone. Reach out to a photographer whose work you admire and see if they’re open to you tagging along. Offer to carry gear, hold the water bottle, move the chairs. Whatever helps.
You’ll learn so much from watching how they work under pressure, manage timelines, handle harsh light, and interact with clients. But remember: if you’re there, you’re a reflection of their brand, so make a good impression.
Shadow another photographer
When you’re ready, second shooting is the next step up. It comes with more responsibility, and sometimes expectations around gear, skill level, and turnaround. Be honest about your abilities, and be respectful of the lead photographer’s style, workflow, and rules around how/if you can use the images.
Pro tip: always get a contract in place before the day.
Second shoot (but be upfront about your experience)
Yes, they’re everywhere, but they still serve a purpose. Whether it’s just you and a couple or a whole vendor collab, styled shoots can help you hone your style, practise posing, and create content you actually want to attract more of.
Just be honest when sharing them. Clients deserve to know what’s real vs what was created in a controlled environment
Styled shoots still work
Want guidance that’s actually tailored to you? Find a mentor. Mentoring is where we dig into the stuff that YouTube can’t teach you, your workflow, your pricing, your specific pain points. It can be a one-off session or ongoing support. Either way, it’s worth the investment.
Mentoring makes a difference
Once you’ve got something to show, it’s time to get seen. Make sure your website clearly says you shoot weddings. Post your work (even if it’s practice shoots). Introduce yourself to vendors. Go to expos. Attend industry events. And don’t forget, social media isn’t the only tool. Get into community groups, connect IRL, and keep showing up.
Marketing & putting yourself out there
